Gonzales Struggles in Sixth, Rangers Knock M's Starter Around to Beat Seattle 6-3

Marco Gonzales was stellar in his last start against Toronto, but Friday night in Texas he got roughed up.

The lefty starter was solid for the M’s through five innings, only giving up three runs (two earned). However, in the sixth inning, the Seattle starter labored.

Gonzales faced six batters in the sixth. He gave up his only two walks of the night and both scored. The four-year vet finished with 5.2 innings pitched, 6 runs give up (5 earned) with just two strikeouts and the two walks.

In contrast to Gonzales’ struggles, reliever Erik Swanson pitched beautifully. Swanson threw 2.1 innings and struck out five of the seven batters he faced.

The Seattle offense couldn’t pick up their starter in this one.

Mallex Smith was all the Mariner offense. Austin Nola scored Smith when he grounded out into a double play.

In the fifth, Smith hit an RBI Infield Single, even though Odor could have been charged with an error. At the time, Smith’s infield single brought the M’s even at 2-2.

Smith tried to keep Seattle’s hopes alive, with a triple to left center field in the seventh. On the play, Elvis Andrus was charged with a throwing error as the ball ended up in the dugout, gifting Smith home.

Smith’s final run made it 6-3, and that’s how the game would end.

Rangers win 6-3.

Winning Pitcher, (3-0) Kolby Allard: 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, 1 BB

Losing Pitcher, (14-11) Marco Gonzales: 5.2 IP, 5 ER, 2 K, 2 BB

Save (1), Emmanuel Chase: 1.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, 0 BB

The M’s battle Texas for game three of four on Saturday. Pregame coverage starts at 4 p.m. on Freedom 970.

Here are the highlights from the game:

Top 1st … Mallex Smith Scores on Austin Nola GIDP, 1-0 Mariners